P-Patch Community Gardens Are Growing
with help from the
Parks and Green Spaces Levy!

Thank You Seattle Voters!

We take the stewardship of public money to heart. Between 2009 and 2013 we’ll leverage the original funding for 4 community gardens to build at least 15 new and expanded gardens. We can do this thanks to great partnerships with neighborhood volunteers and other community partners.

WHEN WILL THIS HAPPEN?Community garden development will happen between 2009 and 2012 and will be managed by the Department of Neighborhoods P-Patch Program.

WHERE WILL THE COMMUNITY GARDENS BE?P-Patch community garden development will focus on 21 neighborhoods that are prioritized based on a set of factors including population density, proximity to existing community gardens, length of wait lists at nearby gardens, legal requirements of the levy, and access for low-income and immigrant populations. Specific sites are selected with criteria such as size, development difficulty, sun, water access, and ownership. See Summary of Strategic Framework for more information.

WILL LEVY FUNDS BE USED TO BUY LAND FOR GARDENS?To maximize the impact of the funds, we are prioritizing garden building over land acquisition.

I KNOW OF A GREAT SPOT FOR A P-PATCH COMMUNITY GARDEN, WHAT SHOULD I DO?If it is in one of the priority neighborhoods and scores well on the site selection criteria, please let the P-Patch office know about it. We’d like to explore the possibility. Laura.raymond@seattle.gov, 206-615-1787

If it doesn't fit within those requirements but you still think it has great potential, take a look at this information on How to Start a P-Patch Community Garden it for the Opportunity Fund or applying for the Neighborhood Matching Fund

WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY FUND?It is a fund that can be used for projects identified by neighborhood and community groups. Projects will be approved by ordinance, and could include acquisition and/or development of off-leash areas, community gardens, P-Patches, trails, and neighborhood parks. For more information, please visit the Opportunity Fund page.

WHAT ELSE WILL THE PARKS AND GREEN SPACES LEVY FUND?In the six years between 2009 and 2014, the Levy will raise a total of $146 million for green spaces (open spaces and greenbelts, and other open areas including community gardens); neighborhood parks (existing parks, new parks identified in neighborhood plans, new parks, boulevards, and other properties purchased by the City for open-space and recreational purposes); and playfields (existing or new athletic fields, open play spaces, and similar areas, including spectator enhancements such as seating). Please see the Department of Parks and Recreation Levy for more information.